February 2020 | Volume 394

Letter from the church council

As it was shared in the January Glad Tidings, our next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, February 9 following our regular church service. The Church Council wants to emphasize how significant this meeting is and we really hope that most of our congregation will be attending. This meeting is an important one because you will hear about the activities of the church committees this past year, you will be informed on how the money was spent and you will witness and participate in the election of the new church elders (Church Council). You will have a voice in setting the budget for the new fiscal year. This is OUR church. We need everyone’s participation. If you are not yet a member and would like to be able to vote and have a voice, please become a church member and attend the new members class on Saturday, January 25 from 10am-12noon. We need everyone at the AGM.

In our January edition of Glad Tidings, we reviewed what it takes to be a church elder. It is a respected role for mature Christians who can lead and be a good example to others. Please take a look at the guidelines that the Apostle Paul outlined for us in 1 Timothy 3:2-7. It is a role to be taken seriously and for those who are committed to the church and the people within the church. Please pray for our next Church Council.
As I think about this rare and precious church community that we have in ACC, I reflect on the elements that make it so special. Many of us recognize that it is the rich diversity of the members that makes it so unique. It is not one people group or one class of people or one nationality of people – no, it is all of us children of God coming from our various church backgrounds, our different countries and our multiple roles in life and work. ACC is a collection of people who bring together who they are with their differences to honor God and love one another. I am inspired by Maya Angelou’s quote: “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color”.
As we pray for the leaders in our countries and in our church, let us pray that they will be guided by Jesus’ love. That they would reflect on what is in their heart so that their leadership does not do more harm than good. May we remember I Corinthians 13 and pray to grow in love in all we do. Verses 4-7 remind us that love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast or act out of pride. It is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered or keeping a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.
Please pray for the future Council members. Pray to elect members who will lead with wisdom and grace and reflect God’s love in all they do.

Sharon Mkisi – Council Member

News & Events

Wednesdays at 5 p.m – 6:20 p.m: Choir Practice in preparation for Lent and Easter Service. Come, let us make a joyful noise!
 Sunday, February 9: Annual General Meeting
 Wednesday, February 26: Ash Wednesday Service

BAPTISM

If you wish to be baptized, or if you wish to have your child be baptized, you need to follow these steps:
1. Fill out a baptism request form at least 6 weeks in advance. (Form available from the church office)
2. Adult candidates or parents meet with a pastor for spiritual preparation. If you don’t have a pastor in mind, the council chair will match you with an appropriate minister.
3. The pastor / lay minister recommends the adult/child for baptism to ACC Church Council.
4. If the Church council approves, the worship committee receives the baptism request to schedule it.

New to ACC?
Want to be introduced to other ACC congregational members? Not sure of our programs and activities? Want to be involved in some way, but not sure how? Want to receive Glad Tidings by email? Have a general question about Arusha that an old-timer may have the answer to? Every Sunday, a member of council is available after the service to assist and to answer your questions.
Our ACC website www.acc.or.tz also provides information as does our ACC pamphlet available at the church door. (Note the new website address: www.acc.or.tz)

ACC Bank Details:
For anyone who wishes or needs to transfer
funds to ACC please find the following details here:

EXIM BANK
TSH. ACCOUNT NUMBER 00 300 23 252
USD ACCOUNT NUMBER 578 067 0116
M-PESA DEPOSIT +255 743 301 727